A Winterberry Christmas, Chapter 4
First kisses... 'nuff said... 😊
In case you missed it… read Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3
Chapter Four: The First Kiss of Snow
The next few days sped by in a blur of activity. Emily and Daniel threw themselves into the sleigh project, their laughter and conversation filling the workshop as they sanded and painted. With each passing day, Emily felt a surprising and unexpected bond forming between them.
One afternoon, as they were finishing up for the day, he glanced out the window and noticed the snow coming down harder. “Looks like we’re in for a storm,” he commented, wiping his hands on a rag. “Better get home before it gets too bad.”
She nodded, looking out the window. “Yeah, I should probably head out. I’ve got a few things to prepare for the play.”
He walked her to the door, and as they stepped outside, the cold hit them like a wall. The wind howled, and the snowflakes danced wildly around them. “I’ll give you a ride,” he said.
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “That would be great. Thanks.”
They climbed into his truck, the heater blasting warm air as he navigated the snowy roads. The town was quiet, the usual bustle subdued by the heavy falling snow.
“Thanks for doing this,” she said softly. “I usually keep a better eye on the weather, but I lost track of time while painting the sleigh.”
“No problem,” he replied with a smile.
As they drove, Emily glanced over at Daniel, feeling a strange sense of contentment wash over her. It was as if the world outside didn’t matter—as long as she was here, in this moment, with him.
“So,” he said, looking over at her when they stopped at the only red light in town. “What made you decide to become a teacher?”
His question gave her a warm feeling. “I’ve always loved kids, and I wanted to make a difference. Teaching just felt like the right path. There’s nothing like seeing a child’s face light up when they finally understand something. It’s rewarding in a way that I can’t really put into words.”
“I think that’s special. Not everyone finds a calling like that.”
“No,” she admitted. “I’m lucky.
Daniel’s gaze softened, a warmth in his eyes that made Emily’s heart skip a beat. “I’m starting to think I’m the lucky one.”
Could this be happening? Was she falling for a man she’d only met a few days ago? She cleared her throat. “I really love my job, but there’s an opening at the school for a Program Director. I’ve been thinking about applying for the job.”
“You should do it,” he said, his voice sincere. “I believe in you.”
“Thank you,” she said, feeling dizzy. “What about you? Carpentry seems like a pretty big change from New York City.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, it is. But I think I needed it. Life in the city was… hectic. I worked in a corporate job for years, but I never felt like I was building anything real. When Joe asked me if I wanted to take over the shop, it felt like a sign—a chance to do something meaningful, to create something with my own hands.”
“You have a gift, that’s for sure.” As they pulled up to Emily’s house, she turned to him, feeling a flutter of nervousness in her stomach. “Thanks for bringing me home.”
“Thanks for putting up with me,” he said softly, a flicker of something in his eyes. “I’ve really had a blast.”
“Me too,” Emily replied, the fear she had over falling in love ebbing slightly. “I’m glad you’re here, Daniel. Winterberry feels a little brighter with you around.”
She started to open the door and get out, goodbye on the tip of her tongue, when he suddenly reached out and took hold of her arm. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I mean…” He shook his head as if he were trying to shake something loose then, he took a deep breath and turned in his seat to face her. “I need to get something off my chest. I have enough regrets as it is. I don’t want you to be another one.”
She stared at him, apprehension building in her chest.
“These past few days have been incredible. I’ve felt more at home here, with you, than I ever did in New York. And… the truth is, I think I’m falling in love with you, Emily.” Before she could say anything, he leaned in, closing the space between them. His lips met hers in a kiss that was tender and full of unspoken longings. Her heart raced, and for a moment, the cold outside was forgotten as warmth spread through her.
Emily felt like her heart had stopped. She hadn’t expected this, not tonight. “Daniel, I… I don’t…I have to go,” she stammered, her mind racing as she climbed out of the truck and into the house.
Stay tuned for the conclusion….next Friday!
